Golf Playing Golf Can Extend Your Life By Five Years “I hope I die before I get old!” screams The Who’s Roger Daltrey in the classic rock anthem “My Generation.”While this is a wish many might want — since no one ever said that aging was fun — the reality is that we don’t control how or when we visit that Great Spirit in the sky. What we can control, however, is to live each day to the fullest and do what we can to prolong our lives. Here’s a newsflash. Did you know that golf is one of these activities that can add years to your life? Yes, you heard that right. New research published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine listed some major health benefits of playing golf. According to those surveyed, participating in the sport versus abstaining from this activity can actually extend your life by up to five years. The study is part of the Golf & Health Project, which is led by the World Golf Foundation. The initiative aims to increase the understanding of golf in terms of health and well-being. Future research is set to include the effects of golf on mental health, muscle strengthening and balance. As an avid golfer, I believe these new findings. Inmy travels, playing various courses near and far, I see more and more septuagenarians and octogenarians walking the fairways. Just look at the King of the game – Arnold Palmer – who recently passed away. He enjoyed playing and walking the golf course for most of his 87 years. It’s not a stretch to suggest that playing golf for more than eight decades had a role in his long life well lived. Not convinced? Let’s take a closer look at some of the benefits highlighted in these recent studies. By the time you finish reading this column, I hope that I’ll have convinced you to add a golf game to your weekly schedule this winter. First, contrary to the naysayers, golf provides a moderate-intensity workout. Obviously, walking versus riding is preferred to maximize your workout, but both choices provide positive results. After reviewing more than 5,000 papers for their study as part of the Golf &Health Project, researchers from the University of Edinburgh in Scotland found that golfers who play a round of 18 holes can typically expect to walk 11,000-17,000 steps, four-eight miles and burn 1,200 calories. Even using the golf cart has its benefits, as you’ll still walk 6,000 steps over four miles and burn 600 calories over 18 holes. I suggest that, if you still can, carry your clubs. You’ll build strength and endurance, while burning evenmore calories. Playing this grand old game also offers many other health benefits. Did you know that you could stave off death and prevent some common diseases just by teeing it up at your local course? Participating in this moderately intense workout can help to prevent and treat those who suffer from more than 40 chronic medical conditions, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, colon cancer, breast cancer, strokes and hip injuries. 56 | www.snowbirds.org
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